Septic Tank Additive

There have been several studies conducted on septic tank additives; however, there is still some debate on their effectiveness.

Part of the problem stems from the number of additives that are marketed and the lack of an established standard testing method for all additives.

The amount of bacteria or enzyme in each dose of additive is small compared to the bacteria already in the tank or introduced with one flush of human waste.

What is certain is that no additive will compensate for poor design and maintenance. Even well-designed septic systems have a finite life of about 20 years. Additives claiming to eliminate septic tank pumping are usually just moving the problem to the soil absorption field where it's more expensive to fix.

Given the lack of common ground or recent unbiased testing, our best advice remains to monitor sludge and scum levels annually and have the septic tank pumped at least every 2-5 years at a $100-$150 cost. We know that works. Be suspicious of product claims for quick cures. Also consider how the $50-$100 annual cost of using additives might be more productively used elsewhere.



Previous Article : Septic Tank Backup - - Next Article : Septic System Repairs

Featured Articles
Providing Quality Service...Guaranteed In the Greater Austin Area of Travis, Hays, Williamson, Burnet, & Bastrop Counties , Manchaca, Shady Hollow, Travis County, Buda, Hays County, Wimberley, Leander, Bartlett, Taylor, Misc Locations, Bell County.
Call (512) 338-1804 for fast, dependable service.
Why Stay On A Septic System? Top 5 Reasons for Preserving Onsite as a Viable, Even Preferred, Sewage Management Option: Better protection of public health is possible ...
Seller Says "Too Bad" Seller Says “Too Bad” After Homebuyers Find Rotting Septic Tank Under Plywood (From Pumper Magazine, October 23, 2018) A news organization in Cortland Manor,...
Unhappy With Your Septic System? Why do so many customers end up dissatisfied with their septic systems? We feel it starts with nobody asking or even considering the owner's opinion before...
  • Pay Too Little? “It’s unwise to pay too much. But it’s worse to pay too little. When you pay too much,...
  • Sand Septic The USDA classification procedure has defined the words clay, silt, sand, and gravel. For a stratum to...
  • Septic Sand Mound Sand mounds are usually elevated as the name implies. Some sand mounds are flat or level with...
  • Septic Garbage Disposal GARBAGE DISPOSAL: Care should be taken not to dispose of grease or fat in the disposal. Food...
  • Septic Additives What about chlorine? There are lots of questions regarding chlorine in certain septics that we will attempt...